The Machine:
A fully aerobatic, very-light Jet that compares to the Bede BD-5J, but heavier and sporting two instead of one TRS-18 turbojets. Up to Mach 0.47 and 650 NM of range, with a service ceiling of 25000ft. A low stall speed (for a jet) makes the aircraft good for short field operations.
Certified for VFR operations only, yet includes a good avionics suite.
This is a "Classic" aircraft featuring "Steam" gauges and radios. Yet, controls and systems are easy to operate.
The History:
The C-22J is the last aircraft to be adorned with the legendary Caproni name. Originally known as "Caproncino", then marketed as "Ventura". A very-light jet developed in the 1980s as a military trainer, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft. Powered by two TRS-18 turbojets fed from a dorsal NACA intake, the aircraft reached Mach 0.47 and was fully aerobatic. The airframe shows its origin in a glider design, the Caproni A-21 Calif. After the merger with SIAI Marchetti, the project was cancelled in favor of the SF-260.
The Simulation - 3D Model:
This aircraft ships with a 3-D cockpit, that incorporates realistic night lighting, in the form of a dim dome flood light, backlit gauges and luminous digital displays. The flight crew of 2 is affected by your input in the payloads menu of Flight Simulator, allowing to choose between male, female or empty seats. The Copilot Figure can be hidden with a quick click in the internal 3D view as well.
The Simulation - Realism:
This aircraft has been tuned with the invaluable help of Engineer Carlo Ferrarin, who created the real aircraft. Unique and one-off documentation has been kindly provided, and used extensively, for the creation of this product!
Just like the real aircraft, the systems are simple and of easy operation. Engines can be started with the press of a button. Systems modelling allows the following of real-world checklists as closely as Flight Simulator allows. An in-sim checklist is included, as well as a full flight manual.
The flight model is tuned with advanced aerospace techniques, resulting in a highly realistic aircraft, yet, it is very pleasant to fly, both during aerobatic displays or "A to B" cruising.
Highlights:
- High-Resolution 3D cockpit
- Full Documentation
- Aerobatic
Compatibility:
- Flight simulator (2020, PC) (Sim Update V Tested)
- VR Tested
Review it now!
Very nice, perhaps the only flaws are the internal textures (which I was told, however, that the creator is already working on the 4k textures) and the slightly loud sounds.
Excellent price quality!
Certo, le texture degli interni non sono il top ma volarlo è una goduria e alla fine si resta appagati.
Nice "simple" acrobatic jet to tootle about in at 200knots.
Textures are very P3D quality and not up to MSFS native standard.
VR (quest2) has night light "z fighting" problem on dials.
apart from those minor niggles the aircraft is vast amounts of fun in a VFR way.
it feels like a luxury Bede J5 and is very seat of the pants.
I can't recommend it highly enough at this orice range.
buy it.
Think of this plane as a Pitts or Extra 300 on steroids due to its jet engines. But then you can pop out the speedbrakes and drop into relatively short fields. Its speed, maneuverability, and view from the cockpit make the C-22 an ideal plane for harassing other MSFS players flying anything piston :). There are a few caveats, however...
First, this plane shares a post-SU5 (1.18.x) problem with many other non-Marketplace 3rd-party planes: the direction of the elevator trim AXIS (not buttons) is reversed compared to all the stock and marketplace MSFS planes. Not a MAJOR problem and easily corrected with a few clicks in the control options, but then you have to remember to change it back before flying something else. If you don't use the elevator trim AXIS, then this isn't a problem for you at all.1
Second, the plane is QUITE squirrelly at high speed on the ground in any sort of crosswind, such as just before rotation and just after touchdown. But I figure this is realistic given the narrow track and short wheelbase of the LG. Just be ready for this. At lower speeds, ground handling is no problem at all. The POH says not to use differential braking to turn but you really don't need to as the rudder pedals provide plenty of steering.
Third, the plane requires A LOT of aileron trim to fly straight. I don't understand why because it's a jet with engines essentially on the centerline. It seems wind-related as every time you make a major course change (and thus change the angle of the wind on the plane), you have to retrim the ailerons (a lot). I don't think this is how it's supposed to work.
Finally, just remember this plane is day/night VFR-only, so while its ceiling is FL250, you can't legally go that high. And there's no glideslope needle, no de-ice system, and no autopilot (and it really doesn't trim out to fly hands-off very well). This is a plane for zooming around visually in fair weather carrying yourself, your significant other, and a picnic basket, without time acceleration. Don't ask more of it than that and try really hard to avoid crosswinds on takeoffs and landings.
I always liked the old style instruments and this one really ticks all the boxes. I can't add more than the other
reviews telling. For the price anyway. it's a joy to fly, the sounds and visual effects are fantastic with 8KX.
My favourite aircraft so far. Great job!
Microsoft Flight Simulator (Sim Update V +)
